If the rumours are true and Panasonic really are pulling out of the plasma TV trade next year, then this is indeed a sad day. Not only are Panasonic one of the few companies left in the world that actually make plasma screens, but the ones they currently do make are some of the best home cinema screen in the world.
Many people have jumped to LCD and LED tech for their screens, but Plasma has been loved by home cinema enthusiasts for many years as it can often offers better black levels, bright colours and some of the best colour reproduction when compared to its LCD/LED counterparts.
The end of their plasma line would mean Panasonic would have to close their Amagasaki plant, which would then be put up for sale next year.
It seems likely to suspect that this will all go ahead, the plasma side of Panasonic’s business has been loosing money for a few years now, despite the critical acclaim of their Viera range, especially the TX-P60ZT65 which won the European home cinema TV of the year 2013-2014.
While I will mourn the loss of another great range of plasma displays, maybe it is time to lay it to rest as 4K OLED technology may be the way to go and could be the perfect thing to soften the blow.
Thank you BBC for providing us with this information.
Image courtesy of Panasonic.
Finally
I would rather see a 4K plasma display as I’ve yet to be impressed by any of the other screentechs.. it’s a huge loss if this is really happening.. better save up for a final plasma display next year to replace my 6 yo non-HD Panasonic plasma..